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After a Flood: How to Protect You and Your Family

Severe flooding can pose several hazards, including ingestion of contaminated food or water, or contact with contaminated surfaces, injury resulting from structural collapses or electrical shock resulting from exposed wiring, especially in wet conditions. The following are actions you can take to ensure that you and your family remain safe and healthy after a flood:

Wash your hands thoroughly and often and practice basic hygiene

Have bottled water available for drinking and hygiene if there is no running water

Discard any food and beverages that have been in contact with floodwater, even those in sealed containers, including cans

Buildings Affected by Floodwaters: Safety and Clean-Up

The interiors of flood-damaged dwellings are potentially hazardous. Items in these buildings should be considered potentially contaminated with bacteria, viruses, molds and chemicals from the floodwaters. Absorption into soil, water, floors, walls, household items, and furnishings must be prevented as much as possible. If using a pump to divert sewage/flood waters, do so via sewer line clean-outs and not into a storm sewer system. All surfaces can then be properly disinfected and cleaned. Interior cleaning should be performed in the following manner: